Closure of Norway’s Villa Vekst psychiatric service sparks outrage and fears of escalating mental health crisis

Villa Vekst, a low-threshold psychiatric service in Bodø, Norway, has been a haven for individuals dealing with mental health issues for 40 years. However, the local council has decided to shut down the facility, causing outrage among its users. The service was valued as a space where individuals could receive support without clear distinctions being made between staff and service users. The decision to close the facility comes a year after former Prime Minister Erna Solberg praised the service during a visit. The organisation Mental Health is worried that the closure of such low-threshold services could result in more people becoming ill and ending up in long treatment queues.

Among the users of Villa Vekst is 34-year-old Luna Irria Berge, who along with others, has expressed her fears about the consequences of the shutdown. She explains how the centre has been her safety net during tough times and is unsure what she will do without it.

The local council argues that they cannot afford to keep the facility running. However, Berge and others are adamant that the community will lose money in the long run if the service is shut down. They argue that Villa Vekst is a preventative measure and without it, there could be a surge in severe cases ending up in treatment queues.

Despite the council’s decision, Bodø’s mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen hopes that the service can be continued, without the council being responsible for its operation. The council believes that the closure will not endanger lives, a claim Berge fiercely disputes.

Mental Health, a national organisation, agrees with Berge’s fears, arguing that the closure of low-threshold services like Villa Vekst could end up costing the entire country more in the long run. The fear is that the closure of such facilities will push more people into severe mental health conditions, leading to longer treatment queues and higher costs.